April 16, 2013 - 7:15am
A delegation of educators from Norway, including 10 university presidents, visited VIU’s Nanaimo campus today.
The visit was part of a week-long tour the Norwegian delegation is making of Canadian post-secondary institutions to gain insight into educational and university affairs in Canada, as well as build partnerships with institutions, such as VIU, that have similar programs.
The delegation met with VIU President Dr. Ralph Nilson, and learned more about VIU’s specializations in shellfish research, fisheries and aquaculture, teacher education, international education and Aboriginal education.
“We were pleased to host the Norwegian delegation,” said Nilson. “It’s important for VIU to build partnerships with educational institutions from outside Canada as it opens up opportunities for collaboration on international research projects for both our faculty and students. It also creates opportunities for faculty and students to do exchanges, broadening their global perspective and participation which is crucial in today’s world.”
After a welcome talk from Nilson, Graham Pike, VIU’s Dean of International Education, spoke to the delegation about the university’s approach to international education and establishing global partnerships.
The group then had a tour of the campus, visiting the Centre for Shellfish Research where Director Don Tillapaugh spoke about the university’s cutting-edge sturgeon and fin fish research, as well as the Faculty of Education where Dean Harry Janzen spoke about VIU’s sought-after educational programs, both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“The visit was a success, and the groundwork has been set for potentially working together in the future to the benefit of all of our students,” added Nilson.
Tags: In the Community
